Sports shaft

ABSTRACT

Provided is an improved sports shaft that includes longitudinal channels running within the interior portion of the substantially hollow shaft. The channels, and more specifically, the channel walls that define the channels, provide additional strength to the sports shaft. The improved sports shaft is better suited to withstand impact forces over a longer period of time than a typical hollow shaft. The improved sports shaft also is also better suited to withstand the variety of non-impact forces that act upon a sports shaft during the course of play. A key advantage of the improved sports shaft is the dramatic increase in strength without the addition of unnecessary weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to sporting goods, and more particularly to handles, sticks, shafts and bats for sports such as hockey, lacrosse, field hockey, golf, baseball, softball, polo and fishing.

2. Description of the Related Art

Designs for sports shafts, sticks and handles began as basic wooden structures, but lacked uniformity as to quality, strength, and weight; and were susceptible to failure by fracturing. Many prior inventions have proposed the use of shafts or sticks comprising composites featuring plastic outer surfaces with inner cores of wood or aluminum. Further, many attempts have been made to utilize metallic material in the manufacture of sticks for strengthening purposes.

These advancements have been made as a matter of necessity in light of the wear and tear that sports shafts endure. Sports shafts often are required to withstand a variety of forces resulting from movements required by the sport, and from impacts sustained during the course of play or use. By means of example, and not limitation, some of the forces acting on a lacrosse stick may be considered.

The acts typical to lacrosse play that result in forces acting upon the shaft include throwing, catching, cradling, scooping ground balls, facing off, and checking and guarding other players. The forces acting on a shaft result from forces applied by a player's hands on the shaft, the weight of the ball in the head of the stick, interaction with the ground or playing surface, and checking or being checked by another player's stick. Stick checking is a clear example of a force directed upon the shaft portion of a lacrosse stick. When the checking stick strikes the subject shaft, the resultant force is sufficient to shatter, dent, or otherwise compromise the structural integrity of the subject shaft.

Although proper positioning of a player's body is arguably the best method of defending against another player in many sports, lacrosse defenders often find themselves relying on the assistance of their lacrosse stick to aid in providing defense. However, as the defender's hands move toward the base of the stick, and the attacking player moves laterally, the resulting forces may result in the bending of a metallic shaft, and the fracture of non-metallic shafts. This is because a first lateral force is introduced upon the distal end of the shaft by the attacking player's body when the attacking player moves laterally with respect to the defending player. The defending player imparts an opposing lateral force upon the proximal end of the shaft by attempting to hold the shaft in a rigid fashion, impeding the movement of the attacking player. As mentioned, the resulting force will often fracture, or bend the shaft. In the case of a metallic shaft, a bent shaft is practically useless, and may be illegal during official play. The player loses all control over direction and flight of the lacrosse ball, and the shaft is now in a weakened state, susceptible to further damage.

A similar analysis may be performed with any number of sports shafts and sticks, with regard to their respective sports. Almost all sports sticks experience stresses from impacts or movements of the shaft during the course of play. Therefore, the importance of retaining the strength and original structural integrity of the shaft can not be overstated.

Prior to the introduction of the present invention, the major focus of sports shaft design has been concentrated mainly in matters concerning materials to be utilized to minimize weight, as opposed to structural considerations. One way to increase structural strength is to increase the amount, or type of the material that forms the shaft. However, while strength may be gained, the overall mass of the shaft will also be increased. In most sports, this is not a favorable result. Therefore what is required is an increase in the strength of a sports stick or shaft, with only a minimal increase in the overall weight and mass of the shaft.

What is further required is a sports shaft that resists the impairment of structural integrity due to impact forces exerted upon the shaft.

What is also required is a sports shaft that deters warping and bending of the shaft.

What is also required is a sports shaft that includes increased strength, yet maintains the balance and feel of shaft that has not been structurally enhanced.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

When used in this application the terms “shaft,” “stick,” “handle,” “sports shaft,” and similar terms, and any combination of these terms are meant to be used interchangeably and not indicate any limitations with the use of one term over another. No particular shape or configuration is implied with the use of any of the terms, for example, the term “shaft” should not be construed to be limited to only a cylindrical shape.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an increase in the strength of a sports shaft, with only a minimal increase in the overall weight and mass of the shaft.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sports shaft that resists the impairment of structural integrity due to impact forces exerted upon the shaft.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sports shaft that includes a structure that effectively deters warping and bending of the shaft.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved sports shaft that includes increased strength, yet maintains the balance and feel of shaft that has not been structurally enhanced

The present invention includes an improved sports shaft that includes channel walls within the interior portion of the shaft. The channel walls increase the overall strength of the shaft by providing additional strength and structural integrity. Utilization of channels also solves the problem of minimal weight increase because the added strength and integrity is achieved with the addition of only a minimal amount of extra material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention that includes four channel walls.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of a sports shaft embodying the present invention that includes four channel walls.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of a sports shaft embodying the present invention that includes four channel walls and illustrates an intersection point.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention that includes two channel walls.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of a sports shaft embodying the present invention that includes two channel walls.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of a sports shaft embodying the present invention that includes two channel walls, and illustrates substantially concave external surfaces.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of a sports shaft embodying the present invention that includes two channel walls, illustrates substantially concave external surfaces, and includes an intersection point.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sports shaft of the present invention embodied in a lacrosse stick.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sports shaft of the present invention embodied in a hockey stick.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sports shaft of the present invention embodied in a tennis racquet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates the sports shaft of the present invention. As can be seen from the proximal end, a plurality of channel walls are located within the interior portion of the shaft. In the preferred embodiment, the channel walls traverse the entire length of the sports shaft. Other embodiments may include channel walls, in any number, that traverse less than the entire length of the sports shaft as desired for varying weight distribution and strengthening purposes. For ease of description, in the preferred embodiment a single channel wall shall be considered to extend between opposite interior surfaces. This point does not limit the present invention, rather it simply eases the task of describing a cross section of the invention, in that a channel wall is not referenced as starting from an interior surface and extending to only a node connection point. Although not preferred, the present invention could include a channel wall that starts at an interior surface, but does not extend all the way to a second interior surface. Such varying configurations are well within the scope and breadth of the present invention.

The length of the sports shaft will necessarily vary depending on the specific application. For example, in the sport of lacrosse, an offensive player's shaft will most often be shorter than that of a defensive player's. A tennis racquet will most often be shorter than any lacrosse stick, the point being, the shaft length will change with the particular sport. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the sports shaft of the present invention may be utilized in almost any sport that includes the use of a form of shaft or stick. In other words, the advantages of the present invention will be realized whether the sport be fishing, polo, baseball or hockey.

FIG. 2 displays a cross section of the shaft of the present invention including four channel walls. Each channel wall intersects with the other channel walls at a node connection point in a substantially central portion of the interior portion of the shaft; and each channel wall intersects the interior surface of the interior portion of the shaft. The angles measuring between channel walls may vary, and are dependent upon the location of the surface points. In one embodiment of the present invention the channel walls are positioned so as to maximize the cross-sectional area of the channels, but this is not a necessary limitation.

Another embodiment includes surface points that may intersect the interior surface of the shaft at points having geometric, and consequently structural, significance. For example, if the external surface is substantially formed in the shape of a hexagon, the surface points may be located at a midpoint of any individual side of the hexagon; or the surface points may be located where two hexagon sides intersect. Although a random assortment is possible, such a configuration may result in a shaft that has sections of different structural integrities. If this is desired for a particular application, it is certainly within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates another cross section of the shaft of the present invention including four channel walls, and an intersection point comprising a substantially circular area. Those skilled in the art will see this configuration as being analogous to a shaft within a shaft, including radial portions in the form of the channel walls. The substantially circular intersection point is the preferable shape when an intersection point is included within the node point for a particular embodiment, but those skilled in the art will recognize that shapes of different cross sections, including those that are geometrically similar to the shape of the shaft external surface, may be utilized for the intersection point.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the sports shaft of the present invention. As can be seen, two channel walls are located within the interior portion of the shaft.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the sports shaft including two channel walls. Angles between channel walls are preferably situated so as to maximize the cross sectional area of the channels, but varying configurations may be used. This embodiment retains the increased strength and other structural benefits resulting from the inclusion of channel walls, but also benefits from an overall mass that is less than a shaft that employs other strengthening means. Trends in sports equipment shaft designs vary over time, but the advantages of a lighter shaft that maintains a high level of structural integrity are almost always highly sought after.

FIG. 6 displays a cross section of the sports shaft of the present invention including two channel walls and concave external portions. The interior portion is similar to that described in the detailed description of FIG. 5 above.

The concave external portions of the shaft provide a number of additional benefits. When the shaft is held in the hands of a player, the player experiences increased grip and feel. The orientation of the shaft is more easily discernible through feel alone, and does not require the player to shift attention from the game at hand to the shaft. Shaft orientation is an important factor in many sports that utilize a shaft, stick or similar implement. For example, a lacrosse or tennis racquet head that is improperly aligned will likely have undesirable results from the player's perspective, in that the ball will not be directed toward its desired target.

The concave portions also act to limit undesirable spinning of the shaft in the player's hand or hands. The high points created on either side of a concave section provide a better gripping pressure point than a flat surface alone would provide.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the sports shaft including two channel walls and an intersection point comprising a substantially circular area. As noted in the detailed description of FIG. 3, those skilled in the art will see this configuration as being analogous to a shaft within a shaft. The substantially circular intersection point is the preferable shape when it is included in a particular embodiment, but those skilled in the art will recognize that shapes of different cross sections, including those that are geometrically similar to the shape of the shaft external surface, may be utilized.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the sports shaft with an attached lacrosse head type striking surface.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the sports shaft with an attached blade type striking surface.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the sports shaft with an attached racquet type striking surface.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments and with reference to particular sports and uses, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be substituted therefore without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention. 

1. A sports shaft comprising: a shaft, having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein said shaft includes a substantially hollow interior portion, an internal surface and an external surface, and wherein said interior portion includes a plurality of channels, wherein said plurality of channels partially traverse said shaft in a substantially parallel direction from said proximal end to said distal end, and wherein said plurality of channels are defined by at least one channel wall.
 2. The sports shaft of claim 1, wherein said plurality of channels traverse substantially the entire interior portion of the shaft, from the proximal end of the shaft to the distal end.
 3. The sports shaft of claim 2, comprising a plurality of channel walls.
 4. The sports shaft of claim 2, comprising a first channel wall and a second channel wall, wherein the first channel wall and second channel wall include a plurality of surface points, wherein said surface points are integral with said internal surface of said shaft, and wherein said first channel wall meets said second channel wall at a node connection point.
 5. The sports shaft of claim 4, wherein said first channel wall and said second channel wall meet at said node connection point so as to maximize the cross-sectional area of said plurality of channels.
 6. The sports shaft of claim 5, wherein said node connection point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion defines an area that is substantially circular in cross section.
 7. The sports shaft of claim 5, wherein said node connection point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion defines an area that is substantially hexagonal in cross section.
 8. The sports shaft of claim 5, wherein said intersection point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion defines an area that includes a cross section that is substantially geometrically similar to said shaft cross section.
 9. The sports shaft of claim 5, wherein a cross section of said shaft is substantially hexagonal in shape.
 10. The sports shaft of claim 9, wherein said external surface of said shaft includes at least one substantially concave portion.
 11. The sports shaft of claim 2, comprising a first channel wall, a second channel wall, and a third channel wall.
 12. The sports shaft of claim 11, wherein said first channel wall, second channel wall, and third channel wall meet at a node connection point so as to maximize the cross-sectional area of said plurality of channels.
 13. The sports shaft of claim 12, wherein said node connection point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion defines an area that is substantially circular in cross section.
 14. The sports shaft of claim 12, wherein said node connection point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion defines an area that is substantially hexagonal in cross section.
 15. The sports shaft of claim 12, wherein said intersection point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion defines an area that includes a cross section that is substantially geometrically similar to said shaft cross section.
 16. The sports shaft of claim 2, comprising a first channel wall, a second channel wall, a third channel wall, and a fourth channel wall.
 17. The sports shaft of claim 16, wherein said first channel wall, second channel wall, third channel wall, and fourth channel wall meet at a node connection point so as to maximize the cross sectional area of said plurality of channels.
 18. The sports shaft of claim 17, wherein said node connection point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion defines an area that is substantially circular in cross section.
 19. The sports shaft of claim 17, wherein said node connection point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion defines an area that is substantially hexagonal in cross section.
 20. The sports shaft of claim 17, wherein said intersection point defines an intersection portion, wherein said intersection portion defines an area that includes a cross section that is substantially geometrically similar to said shaft cross section.
 21. The sports shaft of claim 17, wherein a cross section of said shaft is hexagonal in shape.
 22. The sports shaft of claim 21, further comprising a first hexagonal wall, a second hexagonal wall, a third hexagonal wall, a fourth hexagonal wall, a fifth hexagonal wall, and a sixth hexagonal wall.
 23. The sports shaft of claim 22, wherein said first channel wall includes a first interior surface connection point and a fourth interior surface connection point.
 24. The sports shaft of claim 23, wherein said first interior surface connection point bisects said first hexagonal wall, and said fourth interior surface connection bisects said fourth hexagonal wall.
 25. The sports shaft of claim 24, wherein said second channel wall includes a second interior surface connection point and a fifth interior surface connection point.
 26. The sports shaft of claim 25, wherein said second interior surface connection point bisects said second hexagonal wall, and said fifth interior surface connection point bisects said fifth hexagonal wall.
 27. The sports shaft of claim 26, wherein said third channel wall includes a third interior surface connection point and a sixth interior surface connection point.
 28. The sports shaft of claim 27, wherein said third interior surface connection point bisects said third hexagonal wall, and said sixth interior surface connection point bisects said sixth hexagonal wall. 